Reclining baby car carrier

ABSTRACT

A baby car carrier dimensioned to hold a small child safely in a motor vehicle. The base of the device sets atop a car seat and is secured by means of a seatbelt. A frame is rotatably affixed to the top of the base. The top of the frame is concave and slidably supports the convex bottom of a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can recline relative to the frame by motorized means. A plurality of padded nesting inserts are provided on top of the cradle assembly allowing for growing children by successive removal of the nesting inserts. Variations further include cup holders, trays, a retractable shade, a headrest, an inflatable pillow, vibration, heat, and an arm to dangle a toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to infant transport devices, and more particularly, to a safety baby seat for transporting children in motor vehicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Several designs for baby carriers have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include a remote controlled mechanized reclining means, the ability to rotate the cradle relative to the base for easy insertion and removal of a baby, removable liners to accommodate a growing child and other features, all while retaining the highest level of safety and comfort for a small child during transport in a motor vehicle.

Other patents describing baby carriers provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a safety device to protect a small child while traveling in a motor vehicle.

It is another object of this invention to provide a comfortable protective device for vehicular transport of babies.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle infant carrier that allows the guardian of the child to more easily secure and remove the infant.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that accommodates growing children by easily resizing the dimensions of the seating area for smaller or larger children.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the device with several optional accessories.

FIG. 2 shows a top side perspective view of an example of a base assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom side perspective view of a version of a cradle assembly.

FIG. 4 is a representation of a bottom side perspective view of a portion of an exemplary base assembly.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a cradle assembly.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a cradle assembly removed from the base assembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a variation of a cup holder accessory.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another variation of a cup holder accessory.

FIG. 9 is a top side perspective view of an element of the base assembly.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the cradle assembly emphasizing accessory features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10, it can be observed that it basically includes a cradle assembly 12 and a base assembly 14. Optional and required components of these two assemblies are comprised of a canopy 16, an armrest 18, a lever 20, a tray 22, an aperture 24, an aperture 26, a tether 27, a shell 28, a hasp 29, a liner 30, a ring bearing 31, a frame 32, a base 33, a reel 34, a belt 36, a clip 38, a hinge 40, a slot 42, a gear 44, tracks 46, a vibrator 48, a switch 49, rails 50, sockets 52, a socket 54, a plug 55, a motor 56, a pump 57, a battery 58, a plug 59, a post 60, a pin 61, a headrest 62, a ring 63, a harness assembly 64, an aperture 65, a belt 66, a belt 68, a belt 70, a slot 71, a buckle 72, a slot 73, a buckle 74, a headrest 75, a buckle 76, a buckle 78, a liner 80, a liner 82, a toy 84, an arm 86, a cup holder assembly 88, an attachment point 90, an attachment point 91, a cup 92, an attachment point 93, a bracket 94, a cup holder 95, a hinge 96 and a pin 97. Tab “T” and seatbelt “S” are provided for context and are elements of the vehicle into which the invention is installed.

Looking at FIG. 1 it can be seen that the cradle assembly 12 sits atop the base assembly 14 in a standard configuration. The base assembly 14 is comprised of, inter alia, a frame 32 and a base 33. The base assembly 14 secures to the standard seat of a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or truck, by means of seatbelt S inserted through apertures 24 on each side of the base 33. The seatbelt S has a tab T on it end that engages securely into the corresponding standard vehicle seatbelt restraint system found in most passenger vehicles.

A secondary attachment point between the vehicle and the invention is provided by belt 36 and clip 38 that attach to the vehicle supplied attachment point found in many modern vehicles. The reel 34 metes out the belt 36 as needed to permit normal reclining of the cradle assembly 12. An inertia lock, similar to that included in common car seatbelts, is preferably included in the reel 34 to prevent extension of the belt 36 when experiencing violent movement such as might be experienced by the device during a vehicle crash.

To remove the device from the vehicle the process is reversed. The tab B is disengaged from the vehicle restrain system and the seatbelt S is disentwined from the base 33 and the invention may be removed. However, for safe operation of the device, it must be secured to the vehicle by the seatbelt S and belt 36.

The frame 32 interfaces with the base 33 at ring bearing 31 (shown clearly in FIG. 9). The ring bearing 31 allows the cradle assembly 12 and frame 32 to rotate relative to the base 33. This is a useful feature when placing a child into or removing a child from the invention. Generally, when in use the cradle assembly 12 is oriented so that the child faces forward, toward the front of the vehicle. In order to more easily put the child into, or remove from, the vehicle the cradle assembly 12 may be rotated approximately ninety degrees to be facing the door opening in the side of the vehicle.

FIG. 1 shows a canopy 16 feature that may optionally be present. The canopy 16 can provide shade to the child. The canopy 16 can be folded back against the rear of the cradle assembly 12 when not in use. Optional armrests 18 are present and are generally used for larger children. The armrests 18 may be removed if not needed. Armrests 18 may also be folded away by rotating them about hinge 40. As the cradle assembly 12 is at varying degrees of recline, the angle of the armrests 18 may also be adjusted for comfortable use.

An optional, retractable tray 22 is provided in the side of the cradle assembly 12. Preferably the tray 22 is spring loaded so that to extend the tray 22 the user pushes on the retracted tray 22 and it springs out protruding from the side of the cradle assembly 12.

Attachment point 90, attachment point 91 and attachment point 93 are optionally provided to affix accessories to the side of the cradle assembly 12. Accessories may include a removable arm 86 that suspends a toy 84 or other artifact above the cradle assembly to amuse the child.

Other accessories available may include a cup holder assembly 88 as shown in FIG. 7 where the pin 97 inserts into any of the attachment points 90, 91 or 93. The pin 97 supports a bracket 94 which in turn supports a cup 92. The hinge 96 between the cup 92 and bracket 94 provides a degree of motion to reduce spillage from the cup 92. The singular pin 97 also allows gravity to orient the cup 92 upright when the cradle assembly 12 is reclined at various positions.

FIG. 8 shows yet another alternate accessory for insertion into any of the attachment points 90, 91 or 93. The ring cup holder is comprised of a ring 63 and a pin 61. A standard sized cup may be inserted into and held by the ring 63. The weight of the contents of the cup will then be held upright by gravity by the natural rotation of the pin 61 when the cradle assembly 12 is at varying degrees of recline.

Looking now at FIG. 2 where the top side of the base assembly 14 is shown and at FIG. 3 there the bottom side of the cradle assembly 12 is shown, it can be observed how these two assemblies relate to each other. An important feature of the invention is the ability of the cradle assembly 12 to recline relative to the base assembly 14.

Rails 50 are provided on the bottom side of the cradle assembly 12 that slideably engage into the corresponding pair of tracks 46 on the base assembly 14. Generally, the tracks 46 are parallel to each other and the rails 50 are parallel to each other. The tracks 46 are spaced apart an equal distance on center to the center of the rails 50. The rails 50 follow the curved contour of the shell 28. The upper surface of the base assembly 14 is formed into a curve complimentary to the bottom of the shell 28. The rails 50 operatively slide relative to the tracks 46 to provide for and define the range of motion that the cradle assembly 12 is permitted to recline relative to the base assembly 14.

In a preferred design the tracks 46 and rails 50 each have a corresponding dovetail profile. The shape of the tracks 46 and rails 50 aids to further prevent disengagement of the rails 50 from the tracks 46. This safety feature helps to avoid potentially catastrophic separation during a vehicle collision.

A tether 27 is provided as a supplemental safety feature to ensure that the cradle assembly 12 does not separate from the base assembly 14. The tether 27 spans from one side of the base assembly to the other through an aperture 26 on the cradle assembly 12 into a hasp 29. The aperture 26 is elongated to permit the tether 27 to remain engaged effectively into the hasp throughout the range of recline of the cradle assembly 12. If the user of the device wishes to separate the base assembly 14 from the cradle assembly 12 the tether 27 may be released at the hasp 29.

In a preferred version of the invention, a motor 56 is provided to effectuate the reclining motion of the cradle assembly 12. The motor 56 is coupled to a gear 44 that protrudes through a slot 42 on the upper surface of the base assembly 14. The gear 44 has teeth that correspond to a series of sockets 52 on the bottom side of the cradle assembly 12. When the gear 44 is rotated in a first direction it increases the degree of recline of the cradle assembly 12. When the gear 44 is rotated by the motor 56 in a second direction the cradle assembly 12 is rotated to a more upright position. A switch 49 is optionally provided on the side of the cradle assembly 12 to selectively activate the motor 56 and gear 44, and thereby the cradle assembly 12, to the desired degree of recline.

As a supplement or alternative to the switch 49, a remote control may also be provided to adjust the degree of recline of the cradle assembly 12. This may be particularly useful, for example, when a caregiver desires to recline the cradle assembly while unable to reach the switch 49 from another location in the vehicle.

A manual release lever 20 is preferably also provided to allow the cradle assembly 12 to be moved reclined or erected relative to the base assembly 14 in the absence of electrical power to the motor 56. Generally, when the lever 20 is actuated the gear 44 is disengaged from the sockets 52 so that the rails 50 may slide in the tracks 46. When the lever 20 is released the gear 44 may again re-engage the sockets 52 to secure the cradle assembly 12. The lever 20 may also be used to fully separate the cradle assembly 12 from the base assembly 14 by disengaging the gear 44 beyond the length of the sockets 52.

The motor 56 is powered by a battery 58. The battery 58 can be recharged by connecting it to an external power source by means of plug 55 into a household power supply or by plug 59 into a vehicular direct current power source, such as standard twelve volt automotive electrical power points found in most vehicles.

As an alternative to the motor 56 and gear 44 combination to power the recline of the cradle assembly 12, the motor 56 may be combined with a rack and pinion gear, worm drive gear or other mechanized linkage known in the art. In another alternative, the motor 56 may be entirely absent and the cradle assembly 12 is manually reclined by activating the lever 20 to allow the cradle assembly 12 to disengage the gear 44 so that any degree of recline can be set.

Looking now at FIG. 4, read with FIG. 9, where the base 33 and frame 32, the two main sub-assemblies of the base assembly 14, are shown individually. In a preferred version, the frame 32 has a post 60 approximately in the middle of the bottom side. The base 33 has a ring bearing 31 with a socket 54 in the center. In normal use the post 60 is inserted into the socket 54 and the ring bearing 31 is sandwiched between the base 33 and frame 32.

The ring bearing 31 allows the base 33 to rotate relative to the frame 32 about the axis defined by the post 60. This feature is provided to allow the easier entry to and exit from the cradle assembly 12. In typical use, a caregiver, while holding the child in one arm, would open the car door with the other arm and rotate the cradle assembly 12 so that the seat area of the cradle assembly 12 faces the open door and the child may easily be placed securely into the cradle assembly 12. The cradle assembly 12 is then rotated so that the child faces forward when the vehicle is in motion. The reverse procedure is performed when the child is removed from the cradle assembly 12.

When the invention is installed on a typical car seat a seatbelt S is fed through aperture 24 through the base 33 out through the opposite aperture 24. Aperture 65 is provided to allow access to the seatbelt S when feeding it through the apertures 24.

The bottom side of the frame 32 is shown in FIG. 4 to include an optional vibrator 48 feature. The vibrator 48 provides a gentle, rhythmic and relaxing sensation for the occupant of the cradle assembly 12. The vibrator is selectively switchable on and off as desired. The vibrator 48 feature is powered by the battery 58. Typically, the vibration generated by the vibrator 48 is created by a small electric motor with an asymmetrical load on the motor causing it to shake and vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted through the frame 32 into the cradle assembly 12 where they can be experienced by the occupant.

An optional air pump 57 is also shown on the bottom side of the frame 32 in FIG. 4. The air pump 57 is powered by the battery 58. The air pump 57 is controlled by a switch, optionally on the remote control. The air pump 57 is used to pump air into and allow air to bleed from the interior of the headrests 62, shown in FIG. 5. The more air pumped into the headrests 62 the larger they inflate to better support the head and neck of the baby seated in the cradle assembly 12. This is a particularly useful feature for younger children or infants who are unable to adequately support their own head upright, especially while enduring the bouncing and jostling experienced while the vehicle is in motion.

Now looking at FIG. 5 where a top side plan view of the cradle assembly 12 is shown and FIG. 6 where a perspective view of an alternate cradle assembly 12 is shown. The cradle assembly 12 is generally formed from a rigid outer shell 28 that provides the structure of the cradle assembly 12. Inside of the shell 28 is a padded liner 82. Inside liner 82 is nested another liner 80. The liner 80 and liner 82 are generally made of a soft and plush material. For example, liners 80 and 82 may be made of a hypoallergenic closed cell polyurethane foam contoured to a predetermined shape and covered in a durable, removable and washable fabric cover. Other materials and constructions may be possible but should generally be soft and cushioning as well as durable and washable to be used over and over again under the use of a child and child related soil, wear and tear.

The liners 80 and 82 are nestable to allow for varying child size and for growing children. For smaller children both liner 80 and 82 are nested together and contained with the shell 28. This configuration provides maximum protection inside the shell 28. As the child grows larger shell 80 may be separated from the cradle assembly 12 leaving the shell 28 and liner 82 into which the child is secured. Using the cradle assembly 12 without liner 82 is not intended as this would leave the cradle assembly 12 without sufficient padding for the child. Although the drawings admit to two nestable layers it should be appreciated that several more layers of nestable padded layers may be used.

An additional benefit of having the liners 80 and 82 removable is to facilitate easier cleaning of the liners 80 and 82 as well as the interior of the shell 28. This will increase the longevity of the invention as well as improve its sanitary condition.

Headrest 75 is optional and preferably removable when not needed. Generally the headrest 75 is not needed when the child occupying the cradle assembly 12 is too small to reach it. The headrest 75 may be adjustable to conform the natural head position of the child using the device. It is most likely that the headrest 75 will be used with a larger child and with liner 80 removed.

An example of a primary restraint is the harness assembly 64 shown most clearly in FIG. 5 and includes, inter alia, belt 66, belt 68, belt 70, slot 71, buckle 72, slot 73, buckle 74, buckle 76 and buckle 78. Generally, belt 70, belt 66 and belt 68 combine to form a three-point harness centering on buckle 72. To secure a child in the harness assembly 64, buckle 72 releases belt 70 and the child is placed into the cradle assembly 12. Belts 66 and 68 are placed over the child's shoulders so that the child's head is between belts 66 and 68. The belt 70 is then placed between the child's legs and secured to the buckle 72.

The harness assembly 64 is preferably adjustable in several aspects. For maximum security the buckle 72 should be positioned over the child's middle torso. Buckle 78 can slide along belt 70 when tension is removed from the belt 70 to properly position the buckle 72.

For comfort and safety belts 66 and 68 should be secured to the cradle assembly 12 near to the child's shoulders. Optionally present are slot 71 and slot 73 that bisect the upper edges of the liners 80 and 82 so that the top ends of the belts 66 and 68, respectively, may be adjusted to be closer or further away from the buckle 72. Buckles 74 and 76 can be slipped along the length of belts 66 and 68 to shorted or lengthen the belts 66 and 68. This combination improves the safety of the device by more closely conforming the belts 66 and 68 to the shape of the occupant. A button on buckle 72 provides a means to release the buckle 72 from the belt 70 allowing the child to be removed from the cradle assembly 12.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a side of the cradle assembly 12 demonstrating attachment points 90, 91 and 93 and cup holder 95. Cup holder 95 is optionally present and is spring loaded to lock into the side of the shell 28. The cup holder 95 is opened by pressing on the edge of the cup holder 95 which releases the tension on the spring and ejects the cup holder 95 open. The retractable cup holder 95 may also take the form of a small tray instead of a cup holder but could still open and close under spring pressure.

Optionally present is a gentle heat feature integrated into the liner 82 or other aspect of the interior of the shell 28. The heat may be resistance type heat powered by the battery 58 or other power source. The heat may be controllable by a switch or on a remote control. A timer may be included to automatically shut off the heat cycle at a preselected interval. A thermostat is preferably included to maintain a desired temperature without endangering the child. Generally, the heat feature may take the form of a fabric layer with integrated resistance wires similar to that used in a common electric blanket.

A preferred variation of the invention is fairly characterized as a baby car carrier for use transporting a baby in a motor vehicle comprising a cradle assembly and a base assembly. The motor vehicle is supplied having a standard seat and a seatbelt restraint system. The base assembly is further comprised of a base and a frame. The base, frame and cradle each has a top side and a bottom side. The base is securable to said vehicle seat against said bottom side by means of said seatbelt. The bottom side of said frame is rotatably affixed to the top side of said base by means of a bearing disposed between said frame and said base so that the cradle assembly may be rotated to face the side or front of the vehicle for loading and unloading. The top side of said frame forms a concave curve and said bottom side of said cradle assembly forming a complimentary convex curve such that they nest together. The top side of the frame has a plurality of parallel tracks and said bottom side of said cradle assembly having an equal plurality of parallel rails. Optionally the tracks and rails may be formed of interlocking dovetails to prevent unwanted separation and yet allow the reclining movement. Said rails dimensioned and positioned to be slidably disposed into said tracks resulting in the cradle assembly having a predetermined range of recline relative to said frame. The frame has a mechanized means to affect said range of recline and an optional manual means to release the cradle from the base to recline the cradle. The cradle assembly has on said top side a plurality of nested and removable layers of padding that when sequentially removed over time allow for a growing child to comfortably fit inside the cradle. Preferably, to improve comfort and support, inflatable pillows are provided on the top side of said cradle assembly on either side of the head area to support the child's head side to side. The cradle assembly has an adjustable harness on said top side over said layers of padding to secure the child in the cradle assembly.

The baby car carrier as disclosed above may further include another belt is to prevent separation of said cradle assembly from said frame yet still permit said cradle assembly to move throughout said range of recline. A cup holder is optionally provided integrated into said cradle assembly.

An arm may also be provided affixed to said cradle assembly providing a means to dangle a toy above said cradle assembly. Optionally, a plurality of attachment points are provided on the sides of the cradle assembly that support any of a cup holder, a tray, a ring or other accessory. An important option includes a remote control to adjust said cradle assembly through said range of recline. To improve comfort, a retractable canopy may be provided to cover an occupant of the cradle assembly. For use in colder climes a means to electrically heat the top side of the cradle assembly and a thermostat to control the temperature. A means to gently introduce vibrations into the cradle assembly is also optionally provided to rest the child.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A baby car carrier for use transporting a baby in a motor vehicle comprising a cradle assembly and a base assembly; Said motor vehicle supplied having a seat and a seatbelt; Said base assembly is further comprised of a base and a frame; Said base having a top side and a bottom side; Said frame having a top side and a bottom side; Said cradle assembly having a top side and a bottom side; Said base securable to said vehicle seat against said bottom side by means of said seatbelt; The bottom side of said frame is rotatably affixed to the top side of said base by means of a bearing disposed between said frame and said base; The top side of said frame forming a concave curve and said bottom side of said cradle assembly forming a complimentary convex curve; Said top side of said frame having a plurality of parallel tracks and said bottom side of said cradle assembly having an equal plurality of parallel rails; Said rails dimensioned and positioned to be slidably disposed into said tracks resulting in the cradle assembly having a predetermined range of recline relative to said frame; Said frame having a mechanized means to affect said range of recline; Said cradle assembly having on said top side a plurality of nested and removable layers of padding; Inflatable pillows are provided on the top side of said cradle assembly; Said cradle assembly having an adjustable harness on said top side over said layers of padding.
 2. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that a first belt is provided to prevent separation of said cradle assembly from said frame yet still permit said cradle assembly to move throughout said range of recline.
 3. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that a cup holder is provided integrated into said cradle assembly.
 4. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that an arm is provided affixed to said cradle assembly providing a means to dangle a toy above said cradle assembly.
 5. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that a plurality of attachment points are provided on the sides of the cradle assembly that support any of a cup holder, a tray or a ring.
 6. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that a remote control is provided to adjust said cradle assembly through said range of recline.
 7. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that a retractable canopy is provided to cover an occupant of the cradle assembly.
 8. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that a means to electrically heat the top side of the cradle assembly and a thermostat to control the temperature.
 9. A baby car carrier as disclosed in claim 1 further characterized in that a means to gently introduce vibrations into the cradle assembly is provided.
 10. A baby car carrier for use transporting a baby in a motor vehicle comprising a cradle assembly and a base assembly; Said motor vehicle supplied having a seat and a seatbelt; Said base assembly further comprised of a base and a frame; Said base having a top side and a bottom side; Said frame having a top side and a bottom side; Said cradle assembly having a top side and a bottom side; Said base securable to said vehicle seat against said bottom side by means of said seatbelt; The bottom side of said frame is rotatably affixed to the top side of said base by means of a bearing disposed between said frame and said base; The top side of said frame forming a concave curve and said bottom side of said cradle assembly forming a complimentary convex curve; Said top side of said frame having a plurality of parallel tracks and said bottom side of said cradle assembly having an equal plurality of parallel rails; Said rails dimensioned and positioned to be slidably disposed into said tracks resulting in the cradle assembly having a predetermined range of recline relative to said frame; Said frame having a mechanized means to affect said range of recline; Said cradle assembly having on said top side a plurality of nested and removable layers of padding; Inflatable pillows are provided on the top side of said cradle assembly; Said cradle assembly having an adjustable harness on said top side over said layers of padding; A first belt is provided to prevent separation of said cradle assembly from said frame yet still permit said cradle assembly to move throughout said range of recline; A means to electrically heat the top side of the cradle assembly and a thermostat to control the temperature; a means to gently introduce vibrations into the cradle assembly is provided. 